Croatia are reigning World Cup finalists and currently ranked #12 in the FIFA rankings. In Las Vegas, the Vatreni have the 12th best odds to win the World Cup at a 50-1 payday. But let’s be real here, Croatia are not the 12th best team at the 2022 World Cup. They’re much better than #12 compared to other nations.
So let’s break it down. Who are ahead, behind, and level with Croatia in Qatar based on current team selection?
From top to bottom, Croatia are currently only behind Brazil, Argentina, the Netherlands and Portugal in terms of all around talent and depth.
The Vatreni are level with France (with their injuries), Spain (with their lack of star power), Germany (with their recent inconsistency), England (with their bad form), and Belgium (with their age).
That puts Croatia – at worst – the 10th best team in Qatar.
Denmark, Uruguay, Switzerland are all behind us in terms of quality. Serbia, Senegal and the rest of the field are all a notch under them.
Realistically, Croatia are the 7th best team going into this World Cup. We should be considered better than Belgium, Germany, and Spain; based on our midfield alone.
What is your true ranking of Croatia going into our first match versus Morocco on Wednesday?
Lovren is shit _
I told you. . .
one other concern for me and where croatia’s lack of coaching really shows, is on set pieces
it is clear that the developed nations are playing on a different analytics field when it comes to set pieces.
There was a massive pick up in the 2018 world cup where 50% of first round goals were scored off set pieces. read that again. it’s incredible. 50%
previous history had about 25% of goals coming from set pieces.
so what gives?
easy.. the developed countries have spent money to hire coaches and analytics departments to optimize their set pieces..
obviously croatia with a coaching staff of mandzukic and corluka… who i’m guessing did not go to MIT…have not invested.. it looks like those guys most likely grunt back and forth to each other as their form of communication
Modern soccer teams realize that they should be constantly drilling set pieces as they account for so much of the goal scoring…do you think croatia knows this?
in world cup 2018, croatia gave up a set piece penalty to iceland on a throw in (thanks lovren), a set piece goal by denmark, a set piece goal to russia to tie the game in overtime, a set piece goal to england in the semis, a set piece goal to france to make it 1-0 and then gave away a set piece penalty on perisic handball to make it 2-0
croatia arguably scored 2 set piece goals against nigeria but they looked flukey with one going in off nigeria and one involving a nigerian player tackling mandzukic. and one set piece goal against russia off a corner kick that vida knocked in.
croatia set piece goals: 3, croatia open play goals 9
opponent set piece goals: 6 opponent open play goals: 3
you be the judge….
You are not obsessed with Croatia because we are bad my friend! It’s envy that makes you so obsessed.
A country with a population of 4 million people that is consistently a title contender.
Yes, set pieces were a big problem for Croatia going back 4-5 years. However, in recent times that problem has been fixed and we have not been conceding too many goals from set pieces.
Penal made it 2-1
the truth…. nemaš pojma.
Bog i Hrvati
Olib 1 – Wales -0
Is the states that good or Wales playing poorly?
States are all over Wales
30mins in
Combination off both.
I dont think the US can play better and wales has played awful
Dalmatia is that good!
I feel we are more potent these days on set pieces offensively
Do you guys feel we are overall better defending set pieces then say in Russia and in euro??
Watching the preview of Wales usa
I feel Wales takes it for some reason
Also does Mexico Canada and USA all auto qualify for 2026??
While I’m sure we could use pulisic. It wasn’t some major loss to be honest with the overall options we have
He would have been a better player training with the repka then the states.
Of course he gets way more money and profile choosing the states
Sosa would be a worse loss I feel for our current squad then pulisic is
Thoughts?
Pulisic is very irregular – we have enough irregular guys and I would say Sosa is far stronger player overall- maybe Pulisic could be an off the bench player for Croatia- not more than that.
Final Dream Prediction:
Croatia Advances into final 16:
Germany, 1-0
Serbia 3-2,
England 2-1,
Brazil 2-2 (6-5) **Simic final goal; in top right hand corner.
@Maminjo
https://croatiansports.com/where-does-croatia-rank-with-the-favorites-going-into-the-world-cup/#comments/489119
Woah, now that’s a very manageable knockout path for Denmark assuming they top their group… I remember you said before that it’s always best to meet as few heavyweights as possible when navigating the knockout stage, and cited Italy’s WC2006 win as an example.
Hmm I’m wondering, now if Japan could pull off a surprise draw against Germany in the first match, perhaps things could start to get a bit more interesting in Group E…
I keep hearing about Japan causing a possible upset.
I don’t follow Japan closely enough, but I would be very surprised if they could beat either Spain or Germany.
if we are going to look at weaknesses of this croatian squad, you’d definitely have to list speed as one of them
this team is incredibly slow
lets go through:
sosa: average
gvardiol: better than average
lovren: slow
juranovic: average
brozovic: average
modric: average
kovacic: average
perisic: above average
kramaric: slow
majer/vlasic/pasalic: slow , which always amazes me about vlasic given he comes from a track family
in 2018, the combo of perisic and rebic actually gave croatia some great speed at the wings. that will be largely gone this tournament and little help from the bench
Last World Cup team was slower.
Rakitic was very slow. Kovacic is faster.
Our entire backline is faster that last World Cup too, and probably has more stamina due to their youth. Swapping out guys like Vida with Gvardiol (or Strinic with Sosa) is huge. Stanisic may not start, but he will get time and he’s actually very quick.
The only dropoff in speed is up top, but we’re also significantly more skilled with Krama and Majer replacing Mandzo and Rebic.
Good news is, we have a lot more depth on the bench, so we can always switch it up if something isn’t working.
If we do want more speed or pressing up top and on the wing, then we have Orsic (for speed) and Pasalic, Livaja, or Budimir (for pressing). If we want a physical presence in the opposing box, we have Petkovic. Plenty of options, and now with five subs allowed too. Something we didn’t have last time.
I think Dalic will opt for technical creativity, which is why Krama and Majer may be the starters up top with Perisic on the left…but the other options are there.
Our role players in the last World Cup were much worse than our role players today. Remember, guys like Strinic and Pivaric actually played a lot of minutes. We had no backup behind Vrsaljko at RB (like we have now it Stanisic). Nikola Kalinic was supposed to play key minutes too.
The reason we did well last World Cup was because our role players played above their heads with heart and passion, and we had our star foursome in Modric, Perisic, Mandzo and Rakitic.
We still largely have a good star core in Modric, Perisic, and Brozovic (who has elevated to star level since the last World Cup) and we have better role players in Gvardiol, Sosa, Majer, etc. (who at any point could transcend into stars for us, either during the tournament or after it).
It’s just a matter of how hungry, hard and passionate they play in this World Cup to do it again. They played with fire last World Cup. They didn’t play with any of this in the last Euros (due to Dalic’s lack of preparation, mish mash of random lineups, and locker room issues). These issues seem to be resolved, and we’ve been playing well.
This is really the main factor in whether or not we will do well…and not some nonsensical “we’re not fast” analysis.
Unfortunately, speed only can be leveraged when other attributes are present, such as presence of mind, intelligence, maturity, and self-control, and the ability to keep your shoes on. Rebic could never leverage his speed. Either he was caught from behind stutter stepping, and did not get off a shot, or his shots were ineffective, due to lack of accuracy. Rebic tried his best to get Dalic fired, but Modric saved him in the end, by deciding to get in his corner when it was darkest……………….. Neću miješati lonac; Neću miješati lonac.
we’re pretty average for speed but we hold the ball for so long and try and score off the rush- I don’t like it either – i was hoping Orsic showed more because he is fast but looks like we’re going to just keep possession and lull the opponents.
“if we are going to look at weaknesses of this croatian squad, you’d definitely have to list speed as one of them”
“this team is incredibly slow”
Nah, overall this croatia team is actually faster than in 2018. Also, Morocco and Belgium are both slower than us.
Morocco are very quick. I dont know why you think they are slow. They are also very skilled and very organised. What we have over morocco is the same thing we have over every team. midfield intelligence, experience and class..overall we are better than morocco but not because they are weak. Because we are very very good
“Morocco are very quick.”
Quick what? In terms of passing? I’m talking about a full on sprint. No doubt they have players that are agile and have quick moves and short bursts of speed. But in terms of playing a long ball over the defense and chasing, morocco isnt that team (canada is). Our starting field players vs theirs i would say on average croatia is both quicker and faster. Also as a whole I’d say we’re more fit and have better stamina. These aren’t the croats from 20 years ago who were having a smoke break at half time.
Yes. Agree. Except hakimi, who is lightening quick. Luckily we have sosa and gvardiol on that side who should be able to keep him quiet
Hey now.
Don’t be racist and assume all African teams are fast.
I think ol’ Crnkovic needs to take some equity and diversity courses like the rest of us do on this site.
P.S. Yea, if Davies is playing LB for Canada, Juranovic is gonna need some defensive support. May have to start Stanisic for that one.
Lol. Sosa is very quick
it’s interesting how little true pain croatian soccer fans have had to endure over the years
The toughest moment was definitely missing the 2010 world cup, which followed up on the second toughest moment of the last minute turkey loss in euro 2008
but overall, this has been an incredibly easy ride. Other big countries like italy, netherland etc have had to deal with missing major tournaments
And giants like germany have dealt with getting surprisingly crushed in the group stage
croatia has never gone through a group stage and just had a disaster of a tournament going 0-3. They always have won one game
here we are after where the moment has finally arrived. where every weekend we’re checking the box scores of nobody’s like ante budimir, hoping for any edge, any signs of hope that for a month in the middle east in 2022 croatia can string something together
it would be true heartbreak to see an absolute collapse here, which remains in the cards given that all of croatia’s 3 games will be close to toss-ups
Fortunately, the simulator shows only about a 5% chance of croatia going 0-3, but it does show nearly a 20% chance of croatia coming out without a victory and 7% chance of them going 3-0
“it would be true heartbreak to see an absolute collapse here, which remains in the cards given that all of croatia’s 3 games will be close to toss-ups”
‘toss-ups’ lmao! croatia is gonna slaughter everyone in the group
“where every weekend we’re checking the box scores of nobody’s like ante budimir, hoping for any edge”
No Lol. He could have scored 5 goals in his past 5 games and I would still want Livaja to start over him. Two years ago was budimirs prime and dalic should have started him striker and kramaric CAM when they were both in the form of their lives and statistically both top 10 attacking players in europe that season. Now that we are committed to playing 3 CMs (modric, brozo, kova) in a 4-3-3 we need a different type of attacking player uptop which Livaja seems perfect for. Only problem is now he is injured.
Good to see that FIFA has banned team captains from wearing ” one love armbands “. Anyone wearing them will immediately get a yellow card. I would have gone for RED card. It looks like those that were planning on wearing them have all of a sudden changed their minds.
Orsic’s beautiful Hat Trick earlier in the year, gave him the nod over Petar Musa. Based on Petar’s recent production what a shame, we did not have an opening for him. I would have dropped Jakic instead. We are stacked at the back line. Timing was not right.
Petar Musa scored a goal, this time in the Portuguese league cup against some second tier side. He scored the 1-0 and Benfica won 3-2 in the end. Nice build-up and shot on goal, do take a look:
https://streamja.com/lemgZ
What the?
Portugal is still playing games?
I see they did play Cup games today. Musa played and (of course) he scored.
Julian Draxler played too.
I guess anyone called up for NT duty wasn’t on any squads.
Yeah, it’s kinda funny Benfica is still playing official games during the WC.
So yeah NT guys like Joao Mario, Goncalo Ramos and Otamendi weren’t on the squad.
I think that Argentina is one of the favorites and should be in Tier 1 instead of Germany. Their side of the draw is by far the easier and they have not been beaten in their last 35 matches if I’m not mistaken?
If we make it out of the group as winners or runners up?, we will play Spain. The reason I say this is because Spain play their final match after us and will know what is required and I think their preference will be to avoid Belgium and play us. I would much rather play Germany than Spain. Spain play their tiki-taka possession football which is hard to defend against for 90 minutes in the heat and humidity. We have a chance against them, but I think our odds against Germany would be much better.
I used to be a fan of Argentina but after their classless acts of poor sportsmanship when we trounced them I would rather see the Serbs win it …ok maybe not!
Messi walking off without even shaking one of our players hands even his team-Nate rakitics hand and the butcher who almost kicked Ivan in the head when he was on the ground I’ll never forget.
Agree with your comments. I’m just saying that they are one of the favorites and I also hope that they do not win it.
Nothing like pulling a midweek all nighter and staying up to watch the game.
Should be entertaining to play Morocco, but I see us pretty well prepared against them and I feel like it will go the same way it went for us against our first opponents in Euro2016 (against Turkey) and WC2018 (against Nigeria).
as long as -> Lovren will not play {keep him silence}
we can change our fate -> avoid getting punishment
Really bad and tragic news guys. Five Croatian starters fell off a camel pulled cart doing some site seeing in a camel accident. All suffered a range of injuries ranging from ankle sprains to broken legs. Perisic, modric, brozovic, kovacic and gvardiol are rumored to be the injured in the cart and likely out for the group stage. Given the tragicness, fifa is going to allow croatia to call up replacements. Alen halilovic, nikola kalinic, and ante coric all said they are ready to answer the call
https://www.espn.com/worldcup/tragic-croatian-camel-accident
You’re a piece of garbage, man. Stop with this nonsensical nonsense.
You need to stop posting this shit dude.
One game at a time. I’ll feel better once we have a W against Morocco, or else it could come down to which team scores the most goals vs Canada.
As some of you pointed out…we are better as underdogs. I hope everyone underestimates us, because we love to prove them wrong! It just gives our boys extra motivation. Ajmo Hrvatska!!!!
I really like our chances going far if we top our group. Give me Spain…and Portugal. We have a score to settle with both.
Ultimately the draw and how it lines up really makes or breaks some teams. We always step up our game against better teams. The only team I would fear a bit would be Argentina as the ass kicking of 2018 is still fresh for them.
And their unbeaten streak as of late is quite impressive. I think they are on the verge of beating Italy’s record?
Either way…ajmo!!
Uruguay has a good chance at going far, but so does our Republic! We gonna be ok.
……………..Kramaric……………………….
Perisic……Modric…..Vlasic/Majer
….….Brozovic…Kovacic……………….
Sosa..Gvardiol..Sutalo..Stanisic
…………..…Livakovic…………………….
That makes sense on paper and I understand that.
But topping our group means we likely play Germany/Spain (whoever finishes 2nd)…then likely a matchup with Portugal – not horrible either.
In this path we would avoid Brazil and Argentina. Finishing second in the group makes for a tough path and that’s is the betting expectation for us.
Denmark’s path is easier but things never end up like everyone predicts. I will say they are a dangerous team and I feel one of the best in Europe. Good thing we’ve had their number 🙂
There always seems to be a stacked side and an easier side….we need to finish 1st.
Yeah our odds take a hit because we play a contender (Germany or Spain) in the R16 regardless of where we finish in our group standings.
If Denmark beats a heavily injured France, they play either Mexico or Poland (which is a joke).
Then they play the heavily overrated England (which is a complete 50/50 tossup, no advantage at all for England).
Whereas we would be playing the much stronger Portugal.
Denmark doesn’t see any true in-form contenders until the semis.
🇭🇷🔥💪⚽️🥇 WINNING 🏆
England is so overrated. I also have a hard time understanding why Denmark would be considered favorites ahead of us. We have beaten them twice recently. Belgium as well based on their form and aging team all the way around.
All I can say is that I hope they keep underestimating us and calling us a dark horse. Love it. We thrive in that position.
Maybe it’s Denmark’s path that is increasing their gambling odds.
Their group is easy, and then they would likely play Poland and England in the R16 and quarterfinals respectively.
That’s fucking easy as fuck.
They would also avoid both Argentina and Brazil in the semis (who will play each other there).
Denmark would likely be playing one of Portugal, Uruguay, Croatia, or Germany in the semis. Not impossible for them.
They have the best possible path to the Finals.
I agree completely with Mali Ante- we’re the best under the radar like 2018- let’s hope we get that start with Morocco and that will get us on target
CROATIA WORLD CUP WINNER